Computing and Digital Technologies
3,000 words
Contemporary Computing and Digital Technologies: AI Agents Hackathon Reflective Report
This postgraduate reflective assessment forms part of the Contemporary Computing and Digital Technologies module and is based on experiential learning undertaken through an AI-focused hackathon. The hackathon theme, “AI Agents Unleashed – Building the Future of Automation,” requires MSc students from computing-related disciplines to collaborate on intelligent agent-based solutions capable of automating complex tasks, solving real-world problems and supporting human decision-making. The hackathon encourages students to investigate agent-based system design, intelligent automation and responsible AI development. Potential applications include autonomous cybersecurity monitoring, multi-agent systems for information gathering and decision support, automated data pipelines, intelligent software-development assistants, and conversational systems such as virtual tutors or career coaches. Students may use code-based approaches or platforms such as Flowise, Microsoft Power Automate and Make.com, while more advanced implementations can use technologies including LangChain, AutoGen, Python-based agent SDKs, APIs and large language models. The 3,000-word Individual Reflective Report, worth 70% of the module assessment, evaluates the student's learning and professional development arising from these experiential activities. The first component is a 2,000-word Portfolio of Evidence, requiring evidence-based reflection on participation in the hackathon. Students should evaluate their leadership and teamwork competencies using concrete evidence such as screenshots, code commits and feedback while identifying key lessons for personal and professional development. They must also consider how the experience applies to future research, career development or professional practice. The remaining 1,000 words comprise a Critical Self-Reflection examining the student's personal contribution and achievement of learning-contract goals. Students are expected to critically consider challenges encountered, how those challenges were addressed, lessons learned and their development as effective collaborative team members. Overall, the assessment integrates technical experimentation, reflective practice, teamwork, leadership, professional development and responsible use of emerging AI technologies, supported by a structured portfolio of evidence
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Cloud Computing / Big Data Technologies / Cyber Security
2,500 words
Cloud and Big Data Security Application: Design, Implementation and Evaluation
This assessment for the Cloud and Big Data Technologies module requires students to design, implement and evaluate an individual cloud-based or distributed data application. The project focuses on practical solutions involving the complex transformation, processing, storage and security of big data within cloud environments. Students are expected to demonstrate how distributed data can be organised in the cloud, how data pipelines can be used to access or process distributed databases, and how appropriate security controls can be incorporated into the resulting architecture. Students have considerable freedom when selecting their application. Suggested project directions include developing a data-science solution using SQL or MongoDB with cloud storage and an appropriate security policy; implementing privacy-preserving distributed processing using techniques such as Differential Privacy; creating multi-party authentication and group-based access-control mechanisms; or designing Multi-Level Security, Attribute-Based Encryption or Role-Based Access Control solutions. Projects may also examine distributed or cloud applications using security protocols such as SSH, SSL or IPsec. Creativity and originality are explicitly encouraged. The written component is a Design and Implementation Document of no more than approximately 2,500 words. It should present the project aims and objectives, application concept, cloud and security technologies, functional and security requirements, architecture and design decisions, protocols, access-control mechanisms, implementation process, achievements, problems encountered and overall evaluation. Relevant diagrams, such as interaction or sequence diagrams, may be used to explain system behaviour and architecture. The assessment also requires submission of the functioning Cloud and Big Data Security application and a 7-minute highlight demonstration video. The video should demonstrate the application's major features, implementation details, security functionality and, where appropriate, attack scenarios. Assessment places strong emphasis on the quality of the design and implementation documentation, originality, use of advanced features, and the overall effort and technical quality of the completed application. Students are therefore expected to demonstrate independent development rather than simply reproduce an existing tutorial.
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